Recently announced was the decision by the department of Homeland security to significantly increase their cybersecurity workforce. The White House is working with lawmakers to expand the department’s authority in securing both government and private-sector websites. This means a huge increase in the amount of federal workers needed to hire in to these positions. According to the Federal Times,
By October 2012, DHS’ cyber staff will grow from 260 to 400 workers, Philip Reitinger, deputy undersecretary of the department’s National Protection and Programs Directorate, said at a Senate committee hearing Monday.
A new legislative proposal released by the White House this month not only places DHS as the lead defender of the dot-gov domain but also gives the department expanded authority.
The DHS secretary would require companies to disclose annually “high-level summaries” of their cybersecurity plans and whether risks have been properly addressed. The secretary would also create a process for designating critical infrastructure such as power plants and electric grids.
“DHS will be the new sheriff in cyber town that we need,” said Sen. Joe Lieberman, I- Conn., chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.
